The Mercian Regiment colours laid up in historic ceremony in Lichfield

Military heritage was preserved by The Mercian Regiment when it laid up the 2nd Battalion colours during an historic ceremony in Lichfield Cathedral on Saturday (11 October).

Two handlers in red ceremonial uniform holding rope leads on the sheet mascot.

Musician Soldiers wearing their red uniform marching in front of the cathedral playing their instruments.

Veterans in suits, berets and medals march in front of the cathedral holding colours flags.

Five soldiers wearing blues uniforms marching towards the cathedral with the colours flags being saluted by one man sat in the path wearing camouflage uniform.

Inside the cathedral soldiers and guests line the chairs each side of the aisle. The colours are being marched down the aisle in uniform.

Two soldiers stood in a cathedral wearing ceremonial uniform , one is handing a large flag known as colours to a lady wearing a church robe. A man stood behind her wears a black and red church robe.

The colours have accompanied the 2nd Battalion on operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan before it was merged with the 1st Battalion in 2022.

Traditionally, the Colours would form a rallying point for the regiment’s soldiers on the battlefield and are emblazoned with the names of famous campaigns in which they fought.

The Colours hold deep significance to soldiers and veterans as they symbolise the heritage, courage, sacrifice, and service to the Regiment.

Lieutenant Colonel Neil Parkinson, Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, described the ceremony as a memorable day. He said: "The laying up of the Colours is a significant event for the Regiment. It marks the legacy of the 2nd Battalion and honours those who have served under them.

"Occasions like this remind us of our heritage, the sacrifice of many and the dedication of and service of our soldiers that have made the Mercian Regiment what it is today.”

"The laying up of the Colours is a significant event for the Regiment. It marks the legacy of the 2nd Battalion and honours those who have served under them. Occasions like this remind us of our heritage, the sacrifice of many and the dedication of and service of our soldiers that have made the Mercian Regiment what it is today.”

Lieutenant Colonel Neil Parkinson

Prior to the laying up ceremony, the regiment exercised the Freedom of Lichfield. The Freedom allows the regiment to march through the city with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed - a privilege that recognises its distinguished service record and connection to the local community.

Large crowds gathered to witness the parade and show their appreciation. The regimental mascot, Private Derby XXXIII, a Swaledale ram, led the parade, and music was provided by the Band of The Mercian Regiment.

The Regiment has recently returned from Estonia where it formed part of the UK-led NATO battlegroup. Whilst there, it took part in numerous exercises including Exercise Bold Eagle training alongside Estonian, French, Polish and US Forces.

Part of the exercise saw the Mercians work their way through trenches in simulated close-quarter fighting against an opposing force made up of Estonian soldiers.

The Mercian Regiment is known as the ‘Heart of England’s Infantry’ and recruits from the five counties that formed the ancient Kingdom of Mercia - Cheshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire and Worcestershire – as well as the Black Country and the Wirral.

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The Mercian Regiment colours laid up in historic ceremony in Lichfield